The Resplendent City - Conclusion

 New Jerusalem is breathtaking in its beauty:  "Its radiance was a like a most precious stone shining crystal-clear.  It has a great and lofty wall and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names were inscribed which are those of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. On the east were three gates, and on the north three gates, adn on the south three gates, and on the west three gates.  The wall of the city also had twelve foundation stones, and on them the twelve names of the apostle of the Lamb." (Revelation 21:11b-14)   How fitting that the first impression John records is of glowing brightness!  Radiant as a  new bride, New Jerusalem makes a fittig consort for Christ.  It positively glows, as it proper for a creation of "the Father of the celestial lighte." - JAMES 1:17.

On its 12 gates, there are inscribed the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. Therefore, theis symbolic city is made up of 144,000, who were sealed "out of every tribe of the sons of Israel." (Revelation 7:4-8)  In harmony with this, the foundation stones  have on them the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb.  Yes, New Jersusalem is not  the fleshly nation of Israel founded on the 12 sons of Jacob.  It is the spiritual Israel, founded on "the apostles and prophets." - EPHESIANS2:20.

The symbolic city has a huge wall.  In ancient times, city walls were built for security to keep out enemies.  New Jerusalem's "great and loftt wall" show that she is secure.  No enemy of righteousness, no one unclean or dishonest, will ever be able to gain entrance.  (Revelation 21:27) But for those allowed in, this beauteous city is like entering Paradise .  (Revelation 2:7)   After Adam's expulsion, cherubs were posted in front of the original Paradise to keep out unclean humans.  (Genesis 3:24)  Simarly, angels are posted at each entrance of the holy city Jerusalem to ensure the spiritual security of the city.  Indeed throughout the last daytsm angels have been guarding the congregation of anointed Christians, which becomes  New Jerusalem, from Babylonish contamination. -  MATTHEW 13:41. 

Next time: The Resplendent City - Measuring the City

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